A Bit of Optimism Revisited: Love Is Not Enough with couples therapist Shawn McBride
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May 27, 2025 
Join couples therapist Shawn McBride, who has dedicated over two decades to helping partners navigate the ups and downs of relationships. He shares insights on why love alone isn't enough to sustain a partnership and highlights the three biggest challenges couples face. Shawn emphasizes effective communication and conflict resolution, shedding light on emotional dynamics, even in the wake of infidelity. With practical advice, he advocates for empathy and active listening as essential tools for a healthy, lasting connection.
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Listen and Validate Emotions
- Effective communication begins with listening and truly hearing your partner.
- Validation of emotions, not just hearing words, is crucial to avoid conflict escalation.
SMART Love: Manage Emotions
- Use the SMART love approach: Self-awareness and managing your emotions first.
- Recognize and name what you feel before reacting to conflict.
Empathy Over Sympathy
- Connect emotionally with your partner before trying to correct them.
- Use empathy, diving into their feelings, not just sympathy from the sidelines.